Automobile anti-theft device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus in an automobile, rendered responsive when the engine is started without the use of the ignition key and the automobile is driven off actuates means for letting the air out of both rear tires whereby the automobile cannot be driven at any speed for any distance until the tires are reinflated.

nited States Patent Mann [ Aug. 29, 1972 [54] AUTOMOBILE ANTI-THEFTDEVICE [72] Inventor: Thomas A. Mann, 1420 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY.

[22] Filed: April 12, 1971 211 App]. No.: 133,243

[52] US. Cl. ..340/64, 340/53, 180/114 [51] Int. Cl ..B60r 25/00, G08b15/00 [58] Field of Search ..340/52, 53, 63, 64; 200/42,

ZOO/61.44; 180/82.5, 114

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,174,502 3/1965 Howarth etal. ....180/1 14 UX Primary Examiner-Alvin H. Waring Attorney-Richard S.Shreve, Jr.

[ ABSTRACT Apparatus in an automobile, rendered responsive when theengine is started without the use of the ignition key and the automobileis driven off actuates means for letting the air out of both rear tireswhereby the automobile cannot be driven at any speed for any distanceuntil the tires are reinflated.

4 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures AUTOMOBILE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION My invention is directed toward apparatus installed in avehicle to cause both rear tires to become rapidly deflated when theengine is started, normally by a thief, without the use of the ignitionkey and the vehicle is driven off.

To this end, I employ two solenoids, one for each rear wheel, connectedin circuit with the ignition switch, whereby, when the switch is turnedon with the use of the ignition key, the the solenoids are actuated, andwhen the switch is not turned on, the solenoids are deactuated whetheror not the engine is running. Probe means associated with each wheelenable the vehicle to be driven in normal manner when the solenoids areactuated. When the solenoids are deactuated and the vehicle is drivenoff, the probe means cause rapid deflation of both rear tires wherebythe vehicle cannot be driven any distance at any speed before repairsare made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of part of my invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a tire and rim showing my inventionin use thereon; and

FIG. 3 is a detail view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS.1-3, each rear tire rim has a tire l2 therearound and an orifice 28containing a removable plastic probe 14 protruding outwardly for a smalldistance as for example about 0.5 inches. This probe is adjacent aplunger 16 of a solenoid 18 secured by bracket 20 to brake drum 22. Thesolenoid is operated via cable 24 connected in circuit with the ignitionkey switch 26 and automobile battery as shown. When the solenoids areenergized, their plungers are withdrawn and spaced from the probes andthe tires can rotate in conventional manner. However, when the solenoidsare deenergized, their plungers are extended. Under these conditions,should the vehicle be driven off without use of the ignition key, tirerotation will cause each probe 14 to strike and break against thecorresponding plunger whereby an opening is produced and air escapes todeflate the tires as described.

In order to reflate the tires, new probes must be inserted in theorifices to seal same whereby the apparatus is ready for reuse.

While I have described my invention with particular reference to thedrawings, such is not to be considered as limiting its actual scope.

Having thus described this invention, what is asserted as new is: v

1. In combination with a vehicle having a plurality of rear wheels, eachwith rim, brake drum and tires and an ignition circuit including a keyoperated switch and a battery:

a like plurality of solenoids, each solenoid being associated with acorresponding wheel and congsatfitsastwrtrrauszrssnastiest are otherwisedeenergized; and

a like plurality of means each associated with a corresponding wheel andsolenoid to deflate the corresponding tire when the solenoid isdeenergized and the vehicle is in motion.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 further including a likeplurality of brackets, each bracket mounting the corresponding solenoidon the corresponding drum, each solenoid having a plunger which isretracted when the solenoid is energized and is extended when thesolenoid is deenergized.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said meansincludes a probe extending through a bore in the corresponding rim.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein each plunger whenextended will contact the corresponding plug after suitable rotation ofthe corresponding wheel.

1. In combination with a vehicle having a plurality of rear wheels, eachwith rim, brake drum and tires and an ignition circuit including a keyoperated switch and a battery: A LIKE PLURALITY OF SOLENOIDS, EACHSOLENOID BEING ASSOCIATED WITH A CORRESPONDING WHEEL AND CONNECTED INCIRCUIT WHEREBY THE SOLENOIDS ARE ENERGIZED WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ONBY THE KEY AND ARE OTHERWISE DEENERGIZED; AND A LIKE PLURALITY OF MEANSEACH ASSOCIATED WITH A CORRESPONDING WHEEL AND SOLENOID TO DEFLATE THECORRESPONDING TIRE WHEN THE SOLENOID IS DEENERGIZED AND THE VEHICLE ISIN MOTION.
 2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 further includinga like plurality of brackets, each bracket mounting the correspondingsolenoid on the corresponding drum, each solenoid having A plunger whichis retracted when the solenoid is energized and is extended when thesolenoid is deenergized.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim 2wherein each of said means includes a probe extending through a bore inthe corresponding rim.
 4. The combination as set forth in claim 3wherein each plunger when extended will contact the corresponding plugafter suitable rotation of the corresponding wheel.